Canon Australia today announces the addition of two handheld video cameras to its X-series, the XA35 and XA30. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, the highly compact and lightweight models feature a newly developed HD CMOS Pro sensor which provides higher sensitivity and improved low-light performance. Both cameras also include new Wide Dynamic Range (DR) and Highlight Priority settings, making them suitable for shooting everything from news and documentaries, to weddings and corporate films.

The XA35 and XA30 features two new settings – Wide DR and Highlight Priority. In Wide DR mode, the cameras are able to achieve 600% dynamic range, resulting in bright images with high contrast that retain detail in both highlight and shadow areas, without the need for post-production. When using the High Priority settings, users are able to produce footage with more natural tones and richer colours, particularly in areas of high brightness1, perfect for scenes with bright skies and reflective surfaces.

Both models also feature slow and fast recording modes, supporting a range of shooting scenarios with interval recording options up to a maximum of 1200x normal speed.

Discreet and portable, ideal for on the move

Compact and lightweight, the XA35 and XA30 are perfect for journalists who often need to record discreetly whilst on the move but don’t want to compromise on quality. The cameras are also exceptionally easy to use, featuring extensive automatic functions, ideal for corporate and education environments.

The XA35 and XA30 have the same popular ergonomic design as seen in their predecessors, the XA25 and XA20. Easily attached or removed to suit the shooting situation, the removable handle with professional audio XLR terminals provides maximum flexibility for users.

Integration and connectivity

Featuring a HD/SD-SDI terminal, the XA35 will integrate with existing equipment for onward transfer or transmission, and includes embedded audio and timecode signals. Providing users with the ability to export uncompressed high resolution digital video in real time, it’s the perfect compact camera for live TV and news gathering environments, allowing users to complement footage from other broadcast cameras on-set.

The cameras also support high quality AVCHD (up to 28Mbps) and MP4 (up to 35Mbps) file formats and include dual SD card slots, providing instant back-up through simultaneous recording or the option for relay recording at longer events, ideal for wedding videographers.

Both the XA35 and XA30 are dual-band Wi-Fi enabled which allow remote control of the camera, wireless file transfer/upload and browser preview, all with the use of a smartphone, tablet or computer. The cameras are also compatible with Canon’s GP-E2 GPS receiver, meaning GPS data can be embedded in the metadata of video footage. This feature allows accurate recording of the location where footage was captured, ideal for both journalists and documentary purposes.

Seems like a pretty minor upgrade over the XA20 and XA25. Same 1080p resolution, relatively low 35 Mbps bitrate. Supposedly the sensor has slightly better low-light performance (+3dB increase in sensitivity according to Canon) and the Wide DR mode sounds interesting, although we'll see how well it works.

Can't help but wondering what the point of this upgrade is. Sony PXW-X70 is $500 less than the XA35 but the X70 has a larger 1" sensor and shoots higher bitrate 4:2:2 10-bit in 1080p. Or get the 4K upgrade and you're still at the same price as the XA35 which is 1080p only.